Cyberattacks are on the rise, and small businesses are primary targets. From ransomware that can shut down operations overnight to phishing scams aimed at stealing customer data, local Arizona businesses are facing threats that were once reserved for large corporations. Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October is a timely reminder that protecting your business online has … [More]
NFIB: Small Business Optimism Declines in September
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 2.0 points in September to 98.8. This was the first decline in three months, though it remains above the survey’s 52-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose 7 points from August to 100, the fourth-highest reading in over 51 years. “Optimism among small business owners decreased in September,” said NFIB Chief Economist … [More]
National Coffee Franchise Eyes Phoenix for Expansion
Mokas Coffee & Eatery, known for its expertly roasted coffee, freshly baked pastries, and delicious breakfast and lunch offerings, is looking to bring its signature, quality roast coffee and inviting, versatile dining experience to Arizona for the first time. The brand is eyeing areas within the Phoenix DMA such as Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert to bring its variety of … [More]
Their Take: Diplomacy at the Local Level – How Cities Like Phoenix Shape Global Opportunity
When most people think of diplomacy, they picture world leaders gathered at summits or foreign ministers negotiating across long tables. But today, diplomacy is just as alive in our cities. Mayors and local leaders are at the front lines of international engagement, and the impact is both immediate and profound. For Phoenix, diplomacy and protocol are not abstract concepts. … [More]
Glendale Appoints New City Manager, Taps Gilbert for Talent
The Glendale City Council has appointed a longtime municipal leader with a successful history of steering community growth as its next city manager. Patrick Banger, currently the Gilbert town manager, will take on the role of the city’s chief executive officer, overseeing daily operations, implementing the policies of the city council and managing the city budget. “I’m proud … [More]
Valley Real Estate Giant Rolls Out Rebrand
HomeSmart, the largest residential real estate brokerage in the Valley, announced that the enterprise is launching a new brand look and messaging at their annual premier agent event, Ignite: Growth Summit 2025. The refresh reflects HomeSmart’s evolution and vision for the future as it simultaneously celebrates its 25th anniversary, serving as a nod to the brokerage’s formative … [More]
$6B at Stake as Court Weighs How to Unwind Google’s Ad Stack
While the Google antitrust case around search made a lot of headlines, the less watched case, focused on advertising technology, marches on. This past Spring Judge Brinkema found Google to be an illegal monopolist in this sector, with evidence they used their dominance in the publisher tools market (ad serving) to capture big swaths of the overall display advertising market. In … [More]
Capital in a Shutdown—Why Relationships and Readiness Win
When government shutdowns occur, small businesses face immediate financial hurdles as SBA loan approvals grind to a halt. During these uncertain periods, maintaining access to capital becomes critical for business survival and growth. As a lender with over 30 years in commercial banking, I've witnessed firsthand how these disruptions affect entrepreneurs and the creative … [More]
Abrazo West Invests $50M in West Valley Infrastructure
Abrazo West’s significant investments in advanced medical technologies and sub-specialty services – totaling nearly $50 million over the last three years alone– have given West Valley residents access to high acuity care close to home and enhanced the community’s quality of life. The hospital’s investments include innovative, time-sensitive treatments for heart attack, stroke … [More]
From Onboarding to Refunds: How AI Automation Is Rewiring Banking
Banks were among the pioneers of robotic process automation. Since the early 2010s, they have been deploying RPA bots that mimic human behavior to automate clerical, rule-based processes, such as data entry or invoice processing, helping reduce excessive workloads, minimize human errors, and lower operating costs. Today, the banking sector remains at the forefront of digital … [More]
